Connect
Anybody have difficulty getting needed information from Medtronic?
Right knee replacement in 2010 was a complete failure. In 2013 had a Medtronic neurostimulator put in my spine to help with pain. After years of trying to get relief, and no relief, I just let the battery die.
Fast forward to now, Pain dr has preformed 2 Radio Frequency Ablations on knee. First worked, second made everything worse. So now, 4 months later, he recommended an MRI to see what is going on in there. Got to MRI appt. (Did fill out all paperwork prior to appointment so it was known I had the Medtronic and battery was dead, been dead for over 10 years.)
Was told could not have MRI because it could not go into MRI MODE,
For a week now, been trying to get form from 2 reps here in NC, Adam and Kirsten that shows I can have procedure. Have not heard a word back from either of them, nor has my Dr.
extremely upset and irritated that Medtronic reps do not have the understanding that procedures are waiting on them in order to reschedule this. Was supposed to get phone call from Adam on Wednesday, but nothing.
The stimulator has caused nothing but aggravation and now to find out no one that we have spoken to knows whether or not an MRI is allowable once battery is totally dead seems a big deal.
For a company that is world wide, one would think that would be a ‘must know’ kinda thing.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.
Connect
So sorry for your difficulties with the dead battery in the Medtronic neurostimulator. It is an eye opener concerning the problems that can be unforseen from having a neurostimulator implanted.
Approximately, four years ago I had a Medtronic Spinal Cord Stimulator. Trial was great, permanent never worked. It took eleven months to find a doctor to remove it. No one was helpful, the Doctor, the rep who is a salesmen, but makes himself sound like he is in the medical. What it boiled down to, was the device was no good, neither was the doctor. When you sign to have it implanted, you provided the doctor and manufacturer (Medtronic) a hold harmless signature. In addition, the HMO group I was in at that time, had a financial agreement with. Medtronic and the Doctor should have disclosed this. Based on my experience, do not do business with Medtronic or with a healthcare provider that hides a monetary benefit they receive. You cannot pick the devise. You get what Medtronic has.
Thank you for posting your frustrating and disappointing experience with Medtronic. I have been warned!